Big Data Trends

Excellent article and research from McKinsey & Co. analyzing big data trends.

Big data: The next frontier for innovation, competition, and productivity

The amount of data in our world has been exploding, and analyzing large data sets—so-called big data—will become a key basis of competition, underpinning new waves of productivity growth, innovation, and consumer surplus, according to research by MGI and McKinsey's Business Technology Office. Leaders in every sector will have to grapple with the implications of big data, not just a few data-oriented managers. The increasing volume and detail of information captured by enterprises, the rise of multimedia, social media, and the Internet of Things will fuel exponential growth in data for the foreseeable future. 

In the research article, McKinsey presents 7 insights about data's impact on business and the world economy. Some highlights:

>> Data has swept into every industry and all business function and is now an important factor of production, alongside labor and capital.

>> The use of big data will become a key basis of competition and growth for individual firms.

>> The use of big data will underpin new waves of productivity growth and consumer surplus.

>> While the use of big data will matter across sectors, some sectors are set for greater gains.

>> There are five broad ways in which using big data can create value.

Read the entire report

Whirlwind at NAVC!

It was great to see everyone in Orlando last week. NAVC had record attendance this year! Could this be an indication of an improving economy? We hope so.

Update on Astro

We had an overwhelmingly positive response to Astro, our new compliance and loyalty software platform for pet owners. Astro is an innovative web-based platform that enables manufacturers to share marketing programs with veterinary hospitals and clinics, which in turn are offered to pet clients. 

Astro delivers a platform and useful tools for launching marketing programs, tracking and reporting by pet owner, delivering and tracking fulfillment, mitigating fraud, and providing mobile apps for pet owners. 

Questions from you surfaced regarding Astro and the brand MyVet. Astro is the software platform. MyVet is the Astro brand name for the veterinary industry. We have similar Astro products and brands in the works for other industries that we serve. For example, MyPet is the Astro brand name for the pet specialty industry.

Look for more updates from the Astro team coming soon.

Best regards,

Chris Glaser
COO, Focus Technology Group